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Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Review: LUPUS REX by John Carter Cash!

Lupus Rex, by John Carter Cash
Ravenstone, June 2013

I was so excited when I was asked
to review this book. I'm a longtime lover of Johnny Cash's music. I even did a
painting of him years ago (my starving artist days), so when I was asked to
review John Carter Cash's book, Johnny Cash's son, I was mega thrilled!

John Carter Cash is a musician
and a picture book writer. This is his first middle-grade novel and given how well
written this debut is, I can only imagine we will see more to come by this great author.

The Summary:
Ysill and Cormo are two quail who must risk their lives when they are driven
from their home by crows, and find they must make common cause with a other
creatures, if they are to find safety in a world full of perils and adventure.

The crow king is dead, and in the
field below all the creatures tremble as the Murder gathers to choose a new
king from the rival sons Sintus, Milus and Nascus. When the crows drive
everyone from the field to keep the reckoning secret, the quail Ysil, Cormo and
Harlequin believe they must simply follow their elders to safety. But when the
crows turn against each other, the forest becomes full of danger. In the
confusion the last wolf, Asmod, shucks off his isolation and begins to raise an
army to claim the kingdom for his own. As hidden truths are brought to light
and enormous sacrifices are made Ysil and his friends must make an epic journey
and an unthinkable alliance if the lesser animals are to survive.

What I Liked:

Small heroes: Cash has quails fighting wolves! That right there says we
are in for an epic struggle.

Great bad guy: Asmod, is an awesome bad guy wolf. If any of you have read my
books, you know I like the baddies and Asmod is a villain among villains!

It real: Some might say it is a
little too real, but I disagree. Animals are violent, bottom line. They don't
call it the food chain for nothing.

History: Cash gives the different
species their own history and tradition, which only lends to our love of these
characters.

Epic Factor: This is a perfect example of an epic animal
adventure that will keep kids interested.You want to see the good guys win, but you want to watch them get there too.

Douglas Smith: Anyone recognize
the style of that cover? Okay, it's the same guy who did the Wicked (Gregory
Maguire) covers, Douglas Smith, one of my favorite illustrators! Extra points for that!

In Closing:

If you like epic animal fantasy this is the book for you. It's full of rich characters and an inventive storyline. It's available in hardcover, paperbook, and ebook...so go get it!

Seidler is great!! I have yet to read Hoeye! If you want to read a really awesome AF, pick up Sharon Stewart's Raven Quest. Loved it!! I would love to see more from her! The sequel was great as well. :)

DISCLAIMER

The authors of Project Mayhem do their best to provide accurate, witty, and sometimes manic information pertaining to all things middle grade. Any resemblance to anybody else's manic, witty, and accurate information is purely serendipitous. However, the views and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect those of the other writers on this blog. Except, we all agree that reading Project Mayhem will brighten your day. Drop by mic.